Wednesday, September 19, 2007

Catheter and Concentrator

Dad's condition deteriorated today.

He's definitely more rigid and he is exhibiting some of the jerky seizure symptoms. I talked to the nurse this morning by phone and she thinks the doctor might prescribe Cogentin. That is if he thinks it is something to do with long term anti-psychotic use.

Dad ate some banana in yogurt this morning and 8 oz of juice. I had to have help to change him this morning but my son came over.

He took about 6 oz of juice at lunch and nothing else.

By late afternoon it was apparent that I was not going to be able to really change him by myself and that he was weakening more so I called Hospice and ordered a catheter. It is in now and the nurse hooked up the oxygen concentrator. He was also able to get blood pressure, pulse, and temperature. First time anyone from Hospice has ever been able to do that.

No fever and blood pressure was 138/72. Pulse was 88 but that was before we hooked up the concentrator and after the catheter so probably not so high all things considered. He fought us on the catheter but he's not nearly as strong as he was just a few days ago.

The doctor is supposed to come out tomorrow.

This concentrator thing is horribly noisy but it does seem to be helping him rest more comfortably. His color improved when we put it on him. The nurse helped me position him in bed and he is sleeping so hard. He has his eyes partially open and his mouth open. His lungs are still clear but he is definitely having some drainage as he tries to clear his throat.

Talked to my brother and my children.

Thanks everyone for your concern and prayers. I'll update again tomorrow.

My own prayers for all of you, too.

5 comments:

rilera said...

Nothing really to say other than you and your dad are in my prayers. Take care.

Lori1955 said...

My heart is breaking for you. I could have written this exact post a few days ago. Let us know what the urine output on the cath is. I kept a log of everything in those final weeks.

I know what you mean about the concentrator. The only good thing about it is that if your feet are cold you can just stand next to it and have them warmed up.

You know you are in my prayers.

~Betsy said...

Thanks for the update. I've lit a candle for your dad, too. It sits along side Russ'. I hope you don't mind.

{{{{{hugs}}}}} to you, Flinty.

SKYGIRL said...

Oh Flinty. This just aint fair! I am not so sure I could do what you and Nancy, and Lori, and Twice Blessed have done. I have always known I am a very loving person...but...maybe I think I could die, from a broken heart or something? Maybe God toughens you up, just as much as you need, every day?

I don't know, I am just impressed, very sad but..impressed.

Prayers for a peaceful journey for you & your Dad Flinty.

nancy said...

flinty, you and your dad are in my thoughts and prayers. i'll check in with you later.